Philadelphia Housing Authority Executive Director Carl Greene led HUD officials, elected leaders and residents on a guided tour of Warnock Village this week, giving visitors a firsthand look at some of the energy saving features and green building techniques PHA employed to create North Philadelphia's newest neighborhood.

During a one-hour program, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Mayor Michael Nutter and HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan applauded Greene for his redevelopment vision as well as his ability to effectively administer more than $125 million in stimulus funds to rebuild neighborhoods and create jobs for Philadelphia families. To date, PHA has awarded over $100 million in stimulus funds to local contractors, which is expected to create more than 3,000 jobs.

"Warnock Village is another great example of how the Philadelphia Housing Authority continues to redefine public housing," said PHA Executive Director Carl Greene. "Today we are building and operating quality sites with contemporary and accessible designs, advanced technologies, and a host of energy efficient features for our residents."

"Green building can and should be an engine of economic growth and job creation in communities across the country," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "The Philadelphia Housing Authority is a model for green building and a leading example in promoting energy efficiency, reducing energy costs, and creating quality, green jobs. I am proud to be part of the grand opening of Warnock Village today, which will contribute to the clean energy economy right here in Philadelphia, and will also provide a place where residents of this community can safely live, work and raise families."

The first phase of Warnock Village includes 50 rental homes for low-income families. Each unit features central air, carpeting, modern kitchens and Energy Star appliances. Warnock Village is also the first development in Philadelphia to feature fully automatic sprinklers in every unit through a pilot project with the Philadelphia Fire Department.

"Warnock Village serves as an excellent example of how public housing can employ green building techniques," Senator Specter said. "These transformational activities are an important investment that will substantially reduce energy costs for residents and the Philadelphia Housing Authority, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions attributable to energy consumption."

Many of the visitors also toured the second phase of Warnock Village, which is still under construction. It features a three-story, 45-unit apartment building for seniors, with office/retail space, a community room and an accessible green roof. The building is scheduled to open early 2010.

"Warnock Village is another example of the Philadelphia Housing Authority doing great things for the residents of Philadelphia." Senator Casey said. "Through their ongoing efforts, PHA continues to be a leader in creating jobs, redeveloping communities and using green building technologies. I'm pleased Secretary Donovan can be with us today to see the work they do firsthand."

PHA is looking to open its second adult day center at the site as part of an ongoing initiative to provide both housing and healthcare services for seniors looking to age in place. In fact, PHA Executive Director Carl Greene was recently honored by the Pennsylvania Secretaries of Aging and Public Welfare for offering expanded home-based services for seniors and persons with disabilities.

"Carl Greene and the Philadelphia Housing Authority continue to establish Philadelphia as the leader in providing low-cost, quality homes for low-income residents across this city," said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. "Not only are we providing new homes to individuals and families in North Philadelphia, we are making these units as energy efficient as possible so that residents' energy bills are lower, and so that we continue our progress, outlined in Greenworks Philadelphia, towards becoming the number one green city in the United States."

Officials had an opportunity to tour the Phase Two building's environmentally-friendly green roof, PHA's second. The green roof will decrease storm water runoff and help cool the building in the summer while retaining heat in the winter.

In the past four years, PHA has undertaken a number of aggressive energy conservation and weatherization initiatives which have yielded an estimated $1.6 million in annual energy savings for the agency.